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Kendall Carter

Kendall Carter is a formidable organist, pianist, composer, and educator hailing from Louisville, KY. He began playing the piano at age 4 and was drawn to the organ by age 13. As a Hammond Artist and he can be found actively performing throughout the midwest. Kendall has been provided the opportunity to work with many established instrumentalists & singers including NEA Jazz Master Jamey Aebersold, NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, Dave Stryker, Rob Dixon, Carmen Bradford, Tim Warfield, Mike Clark, Christian McBride, Bonnie Prince Billy and a host of others. His playing is deeply rooted in the gospel music tradition, but also draws influence from notable organists Jimmy McGriff, Charles Earland, and Shirley Scott. Combining these influences has allowed Kendall to develop his own philosophy on playing the blues and keeping the groove.

Ben Sidran, Bill Frisell & Kendall Carter

by Joe Dimino
May 12, 2024

We begin the 854th Episode of Neon Jazz with Kendall Carter--a talented organist from Louisville, Kentucky--with music from his 2024 release, Put-View. From there, we dig into music from another cat out of Louisville, Jimmy Raney. We are delighted to feature new music from living legends Ben Sidran, Charles McPherson and Bill Frisell. In between, we mix it up with the likes of modern cats Aaron Irwin and Jordan VanHemert. Finally, we close it out with something Kansas City-flavored and ...

Album Review

Kendall Carter: Introducing Kendall Carter

Read "Introducing Kendall Carter" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
August 12, 2021

Listening to Kentucky-bred organist Kendall Carter's debut album, aptly titled Introducing Kendall Carter, is akin to taking a pleasant stroll through a park on a warm and sunny day. While Carter is technically flawless, he doesn't overwhelm the listener with waves of sound but plays organ from a pianist's point of view, sacrificing sheer volume on the altar of celerity and tastefulness. That stands to reason, as Carter studied piano at the University of Louisville and is equally at home ...

"Kendall = Groove. You can't help but smile when you hear him play." Walter Smith III

“Kendall Carter, a young gifted organist that is very mature in the way he plays. Lots of chops and skill, yet, he executes the right phrases and motifs that fit, simultaneously creating his own brand of soulful, interesting, and exciting music. ” Bobby Floyd